TIDE (Treatment Interrupts Depression Early)

Depression is a common illness. There are many pharmacological and psychological treatments for depression, but we do not yet know which treatment will work for whom. Treatment choice may be most important when someone experiences depression for the first time. Can we match treatment to a person in a way that makes it likely that the first treatment try will be a success? TIDE is the first study that aims to personalize the selection of the first treatment for depression.

 

Principal Investigator

Dr. Anthony Gifuni, MD, PhD, FRCPC

Description of study

We aim to predict who is more likely to recover and remain well with Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a psychological treatment, and who is more likely to recover and remain well with fluoxetine, an antidepressant. We are using these two types of treatment because they have been most tested and are equally good on average in helping people with depression.

We will collect detailed information about your history, symptoms, and your body. We will use questionnaires, speech recording, brain activity tracing, sleep and activity tracking, and a blood sample to help us find out what predicts response to CBT or to antidepressant medication.

Financial compensation

Yes

Functioning

All potential participants who contact us will be screened. Consenting individuals who are eligible will be diagnosed and then randomized to one of the two treatment groups (CBT and Fluoxetine). Both groups will receive active treatment for up to 1 year, and then follow-ups every three months for 2 years. During some treatment visits, participants will be asked to perform assessments (10 sessions of 30 to 60 minutes on average, usually combined with treatment sessions):

  • Questionnaires
  • Blood tests
  • Noninvasive EEG scanning to record brain activity while recording Speech samples
  • Actigraphy watch (to be worn during two two-week periods)

Benefits

There are no Placebo in this study: all eligible and consenting participants will receive timely, evidence-based treatment. If there is no response, they will receive the other treatment. Moreover, our participants will receive personalized insight into their treatment response, helping them understand their unique journey toward recovery

Eligibility criteria

  • Aged 12 to 25
  • First episode of depression (a diagnosis is optional)
  • Onset of the major depressive disorder within the last 12 months.
  • Depression considered the most significant problem in need of treatment.
  • Verbal ability sufficient to participate in psychological treatment

Information

  • Location: Douglas Depressive Disorder Unit, FBC Pavilion, Douglas Mental Health University Institute
  • Contact: For more information and to see if you are eligible, Call Dr. Philippe Guévremont, TIDE Clinical Research Coordinator at (514) 761-6131 ext. 2988 or email him at inspirelab.tide@gmail.com